Sony Sports Network has announced comprehensive live coverage of the Australian Open 2026, marking the start of the year’s first Grand Slam from January 18 at Melbourne Park. Tennis fans across India will be able to follow every serve, rally and match point live on Sony Sports Network channels and via livestreaming on Sony LIV.

The announcement was made through a Sony Sports Network press release, outlining the broadcaster’s plans to deliver end-to-end coverage of the tournament across television and digital platforms. The network will air matches in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, ensuring wide accessibility for viewers across the country.

The Australian Open 2026 is set to feature a stellar line-up of global tennis stars, including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, competing across men’s and women’s singles, doubles and wheelchair categories. The women’s singles final is scheduled for January 31, followed by the men’s singles final on February 1. Djokovic will be chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title at a venue where he has enjoyed unmatched success.

Adding depth to its coverage, Sony Sports Network will bring back its studio-based tennis show Extraaa Serve, airing alongside live match action throughout the tournament. Hosted by Grace Hayden, the show will feature expert insights and analysis from former world No. 1 doubles player Sania Mirza, Olympian and Asian Games gold medallist Somdev Devvarman, and tennis commentator Vedika Anand. The studio show will break down key moments, tactical nuances and player performances as the tournament unfolds.

The season opener is expected to deliver high-voltage encounters, with the men’s draw potentially throwing up early clashes involving Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Indian fans will also have reason to watch closely, with Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha set to make his Australian Open debut in the doubles draw alongside Thailand’s Pruchya Isarofor.

On the women’s side, the prospect of a showdown between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka adds to the anticipation, while matchups such as Coco Gauff versus Elena Rybakina promise compelling contrasts in playing styles on Melbourne’s fast courts. The tournament will get underway with an exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena on January 17, featuring Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.

Sony Sports Network has also rolled out a marketing campaign for the tournament that draws on India’s familiarity with Australian sporting culture through cricket. The campaign playfully adapts the iconic chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie…Oi Oi Oi!” into “Aussie Aussie…AO AO AO!”, supported by the tagline ‘Where Greatness Begins the Australian Way’.

Commenting on the coverage, Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution and International Business and Head of Sports Business at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the Australian Open promises to kick off the tennis season with world-class action and marquee names. He added that the network’s campaign and the return of Extraaa Serve aim to blend elite tennis with engaging storytelling and analysis for Indian viewers.

Host Grace Hayden said she was thrilled to make her debut with Sony Sports Network for the Australian Open, calling it a special opportunity to bring the energy of Melbourne Park and Grand Slam tennis to Indian audiences. Sania Mirza noted that the Australian Open’s electric atmosphere and hard-court intensity always make it special, while Somdev Devvarman and Vedika Anand highlighted the depth of competition and the opportunity for Indian doubles players to make an impact.

The Australian Open 2026 will be broadcast live and exclusively across Sony Sports Network channels starting January 18, with full tournament coverage also available on Sony LIV.